Reviews

"These letters--intimate and intellectual, personal and political--offer stunning insights into Taft's presidency and the broader time period. Gould's introductions provide invaluable historical context, with expert insights on key policy issues. Reading this volume one gains an unmatched appreciation for the development of the modern presidency, and for the difficult relationship between the impressive figures who occupy this office and the almost inhuman demands of executive leadership. Taft's letters reveal how a man of intelligence and integrity struggled to lead a powerful nation."--Jeremi Suri, author of Henry Kissinger and the American Century"Nellie Taft has long been seen as one of our most involved first ladies--ambitious to advance her husband's career and shrewd at sizing up his opposition. President Taft's letters to her show how much he valued her counsel and support. Why else would he update her on tariffs, mull over his chances for reelection, and confess his worries about his weight and his golf scores? Lew Gould has produced a superb editing of the letters, using his thorough knowledge of the Taft years to help the reader identify obscure players and put events in context. The book adds an important dimension to the Taft presidency, mixing political maneuverings with behind the scenes gossip."--Betty Boyd Caroli, author of First Ladies: From Martha Washington to Michelle Obama

"This collection of 113 previously unpublished letters from Taft to his wife, Nellie, exposes the uncertainty and struggles experienced by the 27th President. Edited by Gould, the book shows Taft to be a compelling, avuncular personality who happened to be ill suited for the job at hand. Taft conveys his increasing frustration with former friend and new competitor for the 1912 election, Theodore Roosevelt; his thoughts on tariff and election reform; and rationales behind his frequent vetoes of congressional bills."--Library Journal"Taft's letters to his closest adviser and confidant, his wife, Helen, do show a man of thoughtfulness, decency and conscience."--Ohioana Quarterly"Should stand as standard works and valuable resources for those interested in the twenty-seventh presidency and his wife."--H-Net Reviews